HELP! I can't get Skyrim to start. Steam gives me an error message :
"Failed to initialize renderer. Hardware T&L required but not supported by adapter."
I have no clue what that means.
It also assigned my settings on lowest graphics, too.

I have the physical cd for this, too. Any way to work around Steam?

Windows XP
Intel Core Duo Cpu: E6550 @2.33ghz, 1.99gb ram
Intel Graphics Accelerator Driver (Intel GMA 3100) Memory size 256 MB
Intel G33/ G31 Express Chipset Family
Realtek Hd Audio Manager

Unfortunately your graphic adapter does not meet the minimum requirements:

Minimum Specs (For running Skyrim on "Low" settings at 1920x1080 resolution)
?Windows 7/Vista/XP PC (32 or 64 bit)

?Processor: Dual Core 2.0GHz or equivalent processor

?2GB System RAM

?6GB free HDD Space

?Direct X 9 compliant video card with 512 MB of RAM

?DirectX compatible sound card

?Internet access for Steam activation

Thank you for your help. I realized earlier today I'd need a new graphics card - but wasn't sure if it would be anything else, too.
I gave this to my kids yesterday as an early Xmas present, so it was a real bummer when it wouldn't work.
Any particular graphics card or other add-ons you recommend?

Also, anyone else who happens to read this and has this or other problems with Skyrim, I found a link with some possible
solutions to a host of problems others have been posting here....
http://segmentnext.com/2011/11/11/skyrim-crashes-freezes-sound-keys-errors-fps-lag-textures-and-fixes/

A couple of cautions: this is a rated 17+ game because of bloody gore and violence, not particularly suitable for "kids" under maybe 15, and not all of those.

You haven't indicated whether you have a computer capable of accepting an upgrade. 90% of PCs sold today are strictly disposable laptops without adequate graphics in them. There is no available graphics upgrade for all of those laptops.